5 reasons for optimism in 2013

2012 will be remembered as a year of firsts for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer (MLS): getting our first away victory, winning a game by four goals for the first time, and of course becoming the first Canadian club to make the MLS Cup playoffs.

The ‘Caps also set a record for the longest shutout streak to start an MLS season and collected the most regular season points ever by a Canadian MLS team.

So why should we expect 2013 to be even better?

There are plenty of positives to look forward to, but the challenge will be even greater. Having made the playoffs last season, the Blue and White will now be viewed as a more dangerous team, so they certainly won’t have the ability to sneak up on anyone this coming season.

With that said, I was really impressed by Martin Rennie’s first year in charge. He and his coaching staff did a tremendous job last year improving the team and building a winning mentality.

While his squad will be in tough this year, I can see them building on last season’s success and taking another step forward.

And I will give you my reasons why.

1. It starts at the back, Part I

From a goalkeeping standpoint, right now we are stronger than last year. You may be asking how since we have the same guys in net. The difference is that we now have two guys who have both proven themselves more than capable of getting the job done.

Joe Cannon has been a great goalkeeper in this league for some time and was outstanding when called upon last season. Late in the season, Brad Knighton stepped in and showed that he too is a quality starter, consistently coming up with solid performances down the stretch. With two guys that they know they can count on, the ‘Caps can’t go wrong.

2. It starts at the back, Part II

On defence we saw Jay Demerit and Andy O’Brien establish a rock solid partnership down the middle, which looked great against eventual MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy. With Martin Bonjour also gaining a great deal of experience as a starter last year, and Carlyle Mitchell now with a number of games under his own belt, the centre back position looks quite strong.

It was also great news when Young-Pyo Lee signed on for another year. With more emphasis on keeping him fresh for the whole year, I expect him to be even stronger than last season – when he was named team MVP. Throw in the consistent play of Alain Rochat and the ever-improving performances of Jordan Harvey at left back and the ‘Caps are set to have a very reliable backline.

3. Hungry young talent

Our talented younger players are a year older and will be looking to establish themselves as legitimate MLS players, recognizable around the league. Gershon Koffie (21), Darren Mattocks (22), and Omar Salgado (19) will be leading the youth brigade. With the talent they have and their willingness to learn and to be the best, it can only bode well for our ‘Caps.

And right behind them we have Russell Teibert (20), Caleb Clarke (19), and Bryce Alderson (18) chomping at the bit to get on the field. These are three very talented homegrown youngsters and with the right mentality, each of the three is capable of making a big step up in 2013.

4. Stability

Unlike last year, Martin Rennie goes into his second season in MLS with less tinkering to do, and a more established squad. There were many players that were playing in MLS for the first time last season, all while making a new home in Vancouver. Making things harder for some of those players was the fact that they didn’t join the team until midseason.

Going into preseason this year, there will be much more of a settled squad that knows what MLS is all about and will not be surprised by the travel, time change, and climates that this league will throw at you.

And let’s not forget the stability of the coaching staff and technical staff, all of whom will be back again this season with a full year of MLS experience. They now all have a much more comprehensive understanding of the wants and needs of a grueling season.

5. Home Field Advantage

The ‘Caps improved greatly on their home record from 2011 to 2012 and will look to continue that trend in 2013. Last year’s improvement was partly due to the fact that the team had a full season at BC Place, but the biggest reason was the raucous, intimidating atmosphere created by fans.

As the team continues to improve, so too has the fan support. Ultimately, that will always be one of the biggest keys to success.

With only two months until the season kicks off against Toronto FC at BC Place, there are many genuine reasons to be excited once again. The first two years have been a rollercoaster ride, but I am predicting a Whitecaps FC team that will give us many thrills that will top anything we have done in MLS so far.

Whitecaps FC 2013 MLS season tickets start at $349, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, including Pitchside Club and suites, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.